Filippova, Ksenia G

Filippova K.G., Konstantinov E.A., Zakharov A.L., Kuzmenkova N.V., Medvedev A.A., Melnikov M.G.

The article discusses the first results of studying the structure of the bottom topography and bottom sediments of Chukhlomskoe Lake (Kostroma Region, Chukhlomsky District). We analyzed the lake bottom topography based on the results of our bathymetric survey and discovered two hollows with maximum depths diverging from the lake’s center towards the city of Chukhloma. The maximum depth inside the hollows (and for the entire lake) reaches 5.4 m, and the average lake depth is 2.2 m. There are two steps seen in the bottom topography; 2.0–2.4 m and 1.5–1.8 m. The bottom sediment structure of Chukhlomskoe Lake was revealed by drilling from the ice with two boreholes (with lengths of 9.45 and 7.45 m, located in the area of background depths and inside the hollow, respectively). Five radiocarbon AMS dates were obtained for the core from the hollow’s bottom. The sedimentary sequences of the pre-Holocene part of both cores show high similarity in structure and depths of the marker horizons identified by a set of lithological analyses. The structure and thickness of Holocene sediments differ significantly. In the area of background depths, the Holocene organo-mineralogenic silt is 3.8 m, and inside the hollow, the thickness of this layer is only 1.45 m. Moreover, hiatuses in sedimentation were documented in the structure of the Holocene sediment inside the hollow. The age of hiatuses, based on the sedimentary model, was estimated as 10.6–5.3 and 4.9–0.06 thousand years ago. A probable mechanism for the origin of hollows is localized erosion caused by wind currents in a highly shallow lake. An additional erosion factor can be the degassing of bottom sediments, which leads to the loosening of the bottom layer of sediments, which makes them susceptible to erosion. The cutoff of sediment erosion inside the hollow coincided in time with the construction of a dam on the Veksa River and a rise in the lake level by 1.0–1.5 m in the 1960s.

Rudinskaya A.I., Druzhinina O.A., Filippova K.G., Lazukova L.I., Zharov A.A., Lavrova N.B.

A comprehensive analysis of the deposits of the paleo-reservoir represented in the Kulikovo section (the northern part of the Sambian Peninsula) has been carried out. According to results of radiocarbon dating, the deposits formed approximately from 14100 to 12900 cal yr BP. The most detailed data were obtained for the lower part of the section (depth 192–141 cm), comprising the Older Dryas and the first half of the Allerød. Results of a comprehensive lithological, diatom, spore-and-pollen analysis and algo-zoological microfossil analysis allowed us to identify 8 stages of the sedimentation conditions of the paleo-reservoir.

Panin P., Kalinin P., Filippova K., Sychev N., Bukhonov A.

Loess-paleosol sequences (LPSs) are one of the main components of the natural environment, which traces how the climate has changed in the past. The article discusses changes in the landscape and climatic conditions from the Middle Pleistocene to the present, identified by the results of the LPS of the Beglitsa-2017 section study. We obtained new data on soil cover change in the Late and Middle Pleistocene in the North-Eastern Azov region based on multi-proxy analysis with high-resolution sampling along the section. The first data on the polygenetic origin of the Salyn interglacial paleosol (MIS 5e) profile which developed according to the Gypsic Calcic Chernozems type in the interglacial optimum, was obtained. Still, in the last stage of soil formation, its type changed to the more arid Gypsic Chernozems (Arenic). During MIS 5c and MIS 5a, the paleosols developed in a more arid climate; their modern analogues may be Gypsic Kastanozems and Calcic Gypsisols, respectively. The period of MIS 3 in the study area is marked by severe cryo-arid conditions, which influenced the formation of incipient Calcic Gypsisols. The profiles of the Middle Pleistocene paleosols in the lower part of the LPS of the Beglitsa-2017 section were subject to gleying processes, which formed specific Gleysols or Stagnosols paleosols. The preliminary age of these paleosols corresponds to MIS 13/15 and 8/9. The MIS 7 paleosols are structurally similar to modern Calcic Kastanozems, currently distributed in the dry steppe zone. Reconstruction of the formation of the LPS paleosol cover in the Beglitsa-2017 section made it possible to trace the trend of changes in climatic conditions in the past. Climate aridity decreases in the interval between MIS 5e and MIS 1, and the maximum drought peaks were recorded in MIS 3 paleosols. Earlier, climate aridization intensified from MIS 13/15 and continued until MIS 7/6. The results will complement our understanding of the soil cover changing over time and will expand the reconstruction of climate change throughout the East European Plain.

Druzhinina O., Rudinskaya A., Filippova K., Lazukova L., Lavrova N., Zharov A., Skhodnov I., Burko A., van den Berghe K.

This paper presents the results of a study on the Kulikovo section (south-eastern Baltic Sea coast), a sediment sequence exposing deposits of a post-glacial basin that existed along the edge of the glacier in the Late Pleistocene. The research was targeted at the reconstruction of the dynamics of the local environmental systems in response to climatic oscillations of the Lateglacial (the Older Dryas—first half of the Allerød). The evolution of the local biotic components on the territories of the Baltic region after the ice retreat is still poorly understood. Data from geochronological, lithological, diatom, algo-zoological and palynological analyses provide a reconstruction of local aquatic and terrestrial biocenoses and their response to short-term warmings and coolings that took place 14,000–13,400 cal yr BP. This study has demonstrated that, during the Older Dryas and first part of the Allerød (GI-1d and GI-1c), the aquatic and terrestrial environment of the Kulikovo basin underwent several changes, resulting in eight stages of the basin evolution, most probably related to the short-term climatic fluctuations that could have had a duration of several decades. The data obtained in this study have revealed the fairly dynamic and complex evolution of the pioneer landscapes, as indicated by the changes in the hydrological regime of the area and by the traced successions of plant communities from the pioneer swampy vegetation to park and real forests towards the middle of the Allerød.

Konstantinov E.A., Zakharov A.L., Selezneva E.V., Filippova K.G.

The results of morphometric analysis based on the SRTM digital elevation model of large enclosed depressions (LEDs) of controversial origin, commonly found on the loess interfluves in the Northern Black Sea region, around the Sea of Azov, at the Western flanks of Caucus Mountains and in the Lower Don basin, are presented in the paper. We have registered 312 LEDs landforms. The morphometric characteristics of landforms vary from 0.4 to 216 km2 for area, from 1 to 21 m for depth, from 0.5 to 13.3 km for width, from 0.7 to 27.5 km for length, from 1 to 4 for elongation coefficient, and from 3.3 to 103.3 m a.s.l for height. The most common depressions have the following parameters: area 24 km2; depth 23 m; width 1.01.5 km; length 2.53.0 km; elongation coefficient 1.21.4; height 1520 m a.s.l. There is a correlation between the area and depth of the depressions. The depressions' shape is mostly elongated, e. g. teardrop-shaped, eggshaped, elliptical, triangular, and rarely round. The sharp ends of the egg-shaped depressions always tend to point to the north, and the blunt ones to the south. We grouped the depressions into seven restricted sites where the differences in size and other morphological features of the LEDs are very small. Within all sites, there is a high consistency of orientation of the long axes of the depressions. The largest depressions around the Sea of Azov and the Western flanks of Caucus Mountains are characterized by longitudinal ridges confined to western side of LEDs. Comparison analysis of sites demonstrated a fan-shaped pattern in changing of the long axes orientation from the NW in the Northern Black Sea region; to the East in the Azov Sea region; to the N in the Western flanks of Caucus Mountains; and the NE in the Central flanks of Caucus Mountains. A radial-centripetal pattern of the erosion network is observed across the territories where LEDs are distributed. Small erosive forms flowing into the center of depressions are represented by very flat and wide gullies and hollows with intermitted channel flow. Such morphological characteristics suggest the relict origin of the erosional forms and, as a result, indicates the pre-Holocene age of the depressions themselves. Morphological and geological data suggests that wind erosion was probably the main factor in the formation of LEDs.

Filippova K.G., Konstantinov E.A., Borisova O.K., Kuzmenkova N.V., Zakharov A.L., Medvedev A.A.

Abstract. The article discusses the first results of geomorphological and paleolimnological study of Lake Chukhlomskoe (Kostroma region). We analyzed the topography of the lake bottom using new bathymetric data from 2021 fieldwork. The structure of the lake basin slopes was studied using hand drilling. Analytical characteristics of the bottom sediments core (grain size distribution, loss on ignition, magnetic susceptibility, AMS-dating and palynological data) are presented. The distribution of organic matter, carbonates and particle size by depth allow us to correlate the bottom sediments of Lake Chukhlomskoe with the sediments of other well-studied large lakes (Belaya Struga, Galichskoe and Seliger).

Karpukhina N.V., Karevskaya I.A., Borisova O.K., Konstantinov E.A., Kurbanov R.N., Zakharov A.L., Filippova K.G., Zazovskaya E.P.

AbstractA proglacial lake system formed during the Late Valdai (Weichselian) Ice Sheet recession on the East European Plain. Poor knowledge about chronology, levels and the drainage pathways of ice‐dammed lakes does not allow us to fully evaluate their palaeogeographic significance. This study focuses on the Izborsko‐Malskaya Valley where fingerprints of a glaciolacustrine environment were found. Based on litho‐, biostratigraphic and geochronological data, it is estimated that the proglacial lake in the Izborsko‐Malskaya Valley existed from ~14.3 ka cal. BP (the Vashinogorskaya Valley from ~14.9 ka (optically stimulated luminescence)) to 13.2 ka cal. BP. The maximum level was ~72 m a.s.l. (above sea level) and the minimum was ~53 m a.s.l. Sedimentation proceeded mostly in deepwater conditions. The ice‐dammed lake in the Izborsko‐Malskaya and nearest valleys could have been part of a huge lake on the Pskov lowland which formed after ~15.7 ka cal. BP. The lake level dropped rapidly when the proglacial Lake Pskovsko‐Chudskoe (Peipsi) connected with the Baltic Ice Lake. A lacustrine regime was preserved only in the southern portion of the Izborsko‐Malskaya Valley after drainage and still exists in the modern lakes. The presented approaches to the ice‐dammed lake reconstruction could be useful for the verification of other lakes which existed on the East European Plain.

Timireva S.N., Kononov Y.M., Sycheva S.A., Taratunina N.A., Kalinin P.I., Filippova K.G., Zakharov A.L., Konstantinov E.A., Murray A.S., Kurbanov R.N.

Loess deposits are widely spread all over Eastern Europe, extending as far south as the Sea of Azov and the northern Black Sea. For many decades these regions have been noted for series of key sections. However, despite prolonged investigations, a lack of absolute dating and detailed lithological data has left many unresolved problems in the correlation of the regional stratigraphic schemes. In this study, integrated studies were undertaken on the loess-paleosol sequence exposed on the northern coast of the Taman Peninsula, separating the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea. The exposure in the coastal scarp near Cape Pekla was sampled in detail for standard lithological and stratigraphic analyses, and for the first time, detailed data on the sediments lithology and petromagnetic properties were obtained, as well as the first optically stimulated luminescence age estimates. The data lead us to conclude that the formation of continental series exposed in the Pekla section started at the beginning of the Middle Pleistocene. There are five well pronounced buried soil complexes (PS 1–5) exposed in the sequence, covering sedimentation from the Middle Pleistocene to the present day. We attribute two lower paleosols (PS 4 and PS 5) to two main warm intervals of the Middle Pleistocene – MIS 9 and MIS 13, and the Kamenka interglacial paleosol, correlated with MIS 7 from other parts of the Azov loess area, is represented in the Pekla section by a sand layer formed at the time of the marine transgression dated to interval 220–280 ka (MIS 7). The upper soil horizons (PS1, PS2 and PS3) developed between 20 and 220 ka. The Pekla section contains a considerable proportion of sand fraction – presumably, due to active eolian processes that developed in immediate vicinities of sources of the material. The paleosol characteristics and the structure of loess horizons in the Pekla subaerial series differ considerably from the well described loess-paleosol series of the Northern Azov Sea coasts. In all probability, this region of the Taman Peninsula belongs to a specific province located south of the North Azov loess-soil province.

Panin P.G., Filippova K.G., Bukhonov A.V., Karpukhina N.V., Kalinin P.I., Ruchkin M.V.

• The Likhvin-2018 section contains paleosols of the Late and Middle Pleistocene. • The Krutitsa interstadial paleosol at Likhvin may not correspond to MIS 5c. • The Bryansk paleosol (MIS 3) is polygenetic. • Interstadial paleosols were periodically exposed to fires. Studies of the loess-paleosol sequence of the center of the East European Plain have a long history. Previously, samples from loess-soil sections were taken for paleoreconstruction of climate and environment with low resolution, usually 1–2 samples per stratigraphic unit. This led to an unclear interpretation of the processes of soil formation and deposition of loess material. Our article discusses the LPS of the Likhvin stratotype section. High-resolution analysis was applied, which will allow us to trace in detail the history of the formation of the paleosol cover from the Middle Pleistocene to the present. A total of 245 bulk samples were taken from sections Likhvin-1/18 and Likhvin-2/18 and analyzed using laboratory analytics (the particle-size distribution, magnetic susceptibility, the loss on ignition values, total organic carbon, pH). Nine samples were taken for OSL dating and two samples for AMS dating to determine the age of the deposits. The micromorphological characteristics were described in detail for paleosols. The Salyn interglacial paleosol (MIS 5e) appeared to be comparable to the modern Retisols in its macro- and micromorphology and physical and chemical characteristics. As to the Krutitsa interstadial paleosol (identified formerly with MIS 5c in the sequence), our results suggest its belonging to MIS 5a. The modern prairie soils – Folic Cambisols – may be considered as its modern analogue. During the MIS 3, the Bryansk paleosol developed. The paleosol is polygenetic; in cooling, its main type (Cambisol) changed to Gleysol and finally became Cryosol. The paleosol described as belonging to MIS 7 displays all the characteristics of the Early Kamenka interglacial paleosol and develops the characteristics of Luvisols (Cutanic) type, its analogues being found in Latvia, Poland, and Hungary. There is a level of soil-formation above the Early Kamenka interglacial paleosol corresponding to the Romny paleosol (MIS 6) in its stratigraphic position. The latter statement is difficult to assert with confidence; it is not improbable that the level presents the Late Kamenka interstadial paleosol, also attributable to MIS 6.

Timireva S.N., Batkhishig O., Sycheva S.A., Kononov Y.M., Simakova A.N., Byambaa G., Telmen T., Samdandorj M., Filippova K.G., Konsnantinov E.A.

Abstract Integrated paleogeographic studies have been performed on the loess and soil sequence in the lower reaches of the Orkhon R., northern Mongolia. The samples were taken continuously through the sequence and studied using a broad assortment of field and laboratory analyses. There are five paleosols exposed in the section under study crowned with the present-day soil and separated from each other by loess horizons or proluvial-deluvial deposits. The dating by radiocarbon proved the soil development beginning from the early Holocene. The two lower soils (PS4 and PS5) formed at that interval are noted for the minimum salinity and a considerable content of carbonates. The soils dated to the middle Holocene (PS3 and PS2) contain the least proportion of organic matter and increased salinity, which may be attributed to a dryer climate (even at optimum intervals) than in the early and late Holocene. In common with the present-day soil, the PS1 buried soil is characterized by negligible (or absent) salinity, and a noticeable accumulation of organic matter and carbonates indicative of favorable warm and relatively wet conditions. All the pollen assemblages indicate the dominance of grass vegetation; it may be safely suggested that open meadow and steppe landscapes, occasionally replaced by semi-deserts, prevailed in the considered region during the Holocene.

Panin P., Kalinin P., Konstantinov E., Sychev N.

Kalinin P.I., Kudrevatykh I.Y., Panin P.G., Mitenko G.V., Malyshev V.V., Alekseev A.O.

Vaezi A., Routh J., Rana A., Sokhansefat S., Nasseri M.

We compared the projected results of future hydrological changes (from 2040 to 2050) based on a 30-year weather dataset (1984–2014) in 7 rain gauges in the Jazmurian watershed with paleoclimatic changes inferred from established proxies in the region. By drawing parallels between anticipated future changes and past climatic conditions, we aim to develop a general understanding of how climate change may alter precipitation patterns in the watershed. The region is influenced by the Indian Ocean Summer Monsoon (IOSM) as well as the Mid-Latitude Westerlies (MLW). Precipitation projections for the future are derived using statistical downscaling outputs from IPCC Sixth Report models (CMIP6) under various Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios. In the western watershed, the CanESM5 model forecasts a decrease in MLW precipitation (32–20%) and an increase in IOSM precipitation (157–253%), leading to an overall rise of 0–28%. Conversely, the eastern section shows variable MLW precipitation changes (– 19% to + 20%) and a projected increase in IOSM precipitation (21–405%), resulting in a 9–120% rise. In the western region, the MPI-ESM1-2-HR model predicts a decline in MLW precipitation (30–3%) and an increase in IOSM precipitation (142–189%), with an overall rise of 9–22%. In the east, there is a decrease in MLW precipitation (23–9%) and an increase in IOSM precipitation (252–437%), leading to a rise of 44–91%. Future precipitation in the Jazmurian watershed is projected to increase despite potential decreases in MLW precipitation. Results suggest increases in the present low IOSM precipitation, leading to overall precipitation rises by 2050 compared to the historical levels. These findings highlight a trend towards wetter conditions, with the SSP 370 scenario showing the most significant rise in IOSM precipitation. The decrease in Mediterranean precipitation is consistent with findings from other GCMs and aligns with historical climate variations observed during previous warm and humid phases in the region. Nevertheless, given the strong correlation between the rise in the Earth's radiation budget and increased monsoon rainfall in the Jazmurian watershed since the late Pleistocene, we anticipate a significant rise in IOSM activity.

Ruchkin M.V., Nosevich E.S., Sheetov M.V., Brill D.

ABSTRACTThe quarry of the Sverdlov (Etalon) Factory stands out as a unique site in the northwest of the East European Plain since it exposes an almost complete Upper Pleistocene stratigraphic succession. Previous investigations have revealed a sequence of marine sediments deposited during the whole Mikulino Interglacial [Eemian, Marine Isotope Stage (MIS)5e], but the chronology of the Late Pleistocene deposits remains incomplete and requires further update. We present a study of the Middle–Upper Pleistocene units exposed in the Sverdlov Factory quarry by using geological methods, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating and pollen analysis. The lower part of the Sverdlov Factory section comprises glaciomarine/glaciolacustrine varves, which accumulated during degradation of the Late Moscow (Late Saalian, Late MIS6) glaciation and correspond to pollen zone M1 (lower peak of Picea). They are covered by interglacial marine clayey silt that includes all Mikulino regional pollen zones M2–M8. According to a Bayesian model based on K‐rich feldspar luminescence ages, the interglacial marine deposition started 133 ± 8 ka ago and ended 109 ± 7 ka ago. The marine sediments are overlain by lacustrine silt with a K‐rich feldspar age of 119 ± 7 ka, lacustrine/alluvial sand with plant detritus formed 47–41 ka ago, and lacustrine sand and silt without organic matter accumulated ~39 ka ago. The upper part of the section is composed of subglacial till formed during the Late Valdai (Late Weichselian, MIS2) under the Scandinavian Ice Sheet and glaciolacustrine varved deposits of the Baltic Ice Lake. Two ages were acquired using quartz OSL from these varves, 16.9 ± 1.6 and 15.7 ± 1.0 ka, which are assumed to slightly overestimate the true age.

Brancaleoni G., Shnaider S., Lempart-Drozd M., Goleń J., Deput E., kyzy S.A., Abdykanova A., Krajcarz M.T.

Obsihir-5 holds some of the  earliest evidence for the utilization of livestock in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. However, direct evidence of herding is lacking at the site. Geoarchaeological investigations, including textural, geochemical, mineralogical and micromorphological methods, have focused on the reconstruction of site formation and the search for direct evidence of herding activities. The sedimentary sequence at Obishir-5 has been divided into three facies: (1) SU0-SU1 (Bronze Age and Middle Ages), (2) SU2-SU3 (Obishirian), and (3) SU4-SU5 (Mesolithic/Epipaleolithic). SU1 formed through colluvial processes and was reworked by human and human-related activities. It is likely that these activities included herding and burning. Given the presence of herbivore dung and trampling in the sedimentary record, SU1 could include fumier-style accumulation. SU2-SU3 formed from the accumulation of coarse debris and fine particles originating from colluvial processes, physical weathering, aeolian processes and anthropogenic activity, such as burning. The archaeological material, including bones, charcoal and herbivore dung is intermixed with geogenic sediments and shows evidence of reworking. SU4-SU5 formed from colluvial and aeolian processes with low sedimentation rate. Human activity here was of low intensity and sporadic. The study of the sedimentary record has shown evidence of the use of dung and wood as fuel during the Obishirian period. However, it is not clear whether the sediments represent fumier deposits and therefore herding, as they have been heavily reworked. Nevertheless, the study opens up perspectives for the presence of livestock at the site during the Obishirian occupation. The methodology employed has allowed the reconstruction of the site formation history.

Golyeva А.А., Druzhinina О.А.

The article is devoted to the preliminary results of the study of the Kulikovo section (Sambian Peninsula, Kaliningrad oblast, Russian Federation), where deposits of one of the Late Pleistocene palaeobasins are exposed. The uniqueness of the section is due to its good preservation: while most of the postglacial basins that existed along the Baltic coast were subsequently destroyed during the Holocene marine transgressions and regressions, the deposits of the Kulikovo section, represented by silt with peat interlayers, provide an opportunity for a detailed study of the palaeoenvironment of the southeastern Baltic during the Middle to Younger Dryas (~14200–12500 cal BP). For the first time in the Baltic region, this type of deposits has been studied by microbiomorphic analysis. The aim of the analysis was to evaluate the informative potential of the method in relation to Late Glacial palaeobasin deposits and to obtain additional local data on Late Glacial vegetation and environment. The first phase of the study of the section showed the high informative value of the method. Data were obtained on the microbiomorphic composition of the Late Glacial water sediments. It includes 4 main categories of microbiomorphs: phytoliths, diatom shells, sponge spicules and plant detritus. Fe-rich spherules were also detected in the sediments. The analysis provided information on the plant communities surrounding the paleobasin, represented by reed communities, meadow and forest vegetation, including coniferous trees. The latter is an important point in the discussion about the presence of trees in the ice-free areas. A repeated change in hydrological conditions in the adjacent area was also noted, expressed in a change in the flow rate of the basin. Further study of the Fe-rich nodules in the Kulikovo sediments is important with regard to “impact events” and their role in the dynamics of the Late Glacial environment.

Li J., Brye K.R., Sun Z., Owens P.R., Jiang Z., Wang T., Zhang M., Wang Q.

Long-term continuous deposits and well-preserved thick loess sections are natural archives for the reconstruction of global climate change. However, the loess sections are often discontinuous owing to soil erosions and accumulations. This study aimed at reconstructing long-term continuous paleoclimatic records by integrating the target sections of two typical loess sequences in northeast (NE) China. One section, the Dajiugang (DJG) section, was investigated and sampled, and the Sanbahuo (SBH) section was used as the target for integrating and reconstructing the paleoclimate. Sedimentary, pedogenesis, and luminescence dating analyses were conducted to analyze the potentials for reconstructing the paleoclimate by integrating two typical loess sections. The results indicated that the paleoclimate records derived from the DJG section can be used to reconstruct the continuous paleoclimate of NE China by integrating them with the SBH section. The paleoclimate information inferred from the DJG section could impute paleoclimate data from 71 to 11.7 ka, which were missing in the SBH section. The paleoclimate of NE China generally consisted of three periods from 71 to 11.7 ka: cold and dry from 29 to 11.7 ka, alternately cold and warm from 57 to 29 ka, and warm and wet to cold and dry from 71 to 57 ka. Integrating the target loess sections can contribute to reconstructing regional long-term continuous paleoclimate records where discontinuous loess sequences occurred.

Kalinin P.I., Zanina O.G., Panin P.G., Kudrevatykh I.Y.

The aim of the study is the reconstruction of paleoclimatic patterns in the formation of the Chumbur-Kosa (MIS-17…MIS-1) loess–soil sequences and the assessment of the possibility of using phytolithic analysis to reconstruct the vegetation cover in the interglacial and glacial periods of the Pleistocene. Mean annual precipitation was calculated using the magnetic susceptibility. It has been established that in the Pleistocene there was a directed climate change towards aridization, in which the amount of precipitation during the interglacial periods decreased from 600 to 550 mm/year, and during the glacial periods it did not exceed 200–250 mm/year. Aridization of the climate led to xerophytization of plant communities, a decrease in bioproductivity and landscape diversity. In the warm periods of the Pleistocene, meadow–forb associations prevailed, which were replaced by steppe associations at the onset of the glacial stage. Natural and climatic zones were within the modern boundaries, demonstrating the relative stability of the steppe landscapes to global climatic fluctuations.

Khmeleva M.V., Panin P.G., Frolov P.D., Tesakov A.S., Bukhonov A.V.

The loess-paleosol sequence of the Alma-Peschanoe section located in the west of the Crimean Peninsula is analyzed. A comprehensive analysis of morphological, physicochemical, and some other features enables us to identify eight paleosols formed under different conditions. The supposed age of the loess-paleosol sequence was determined by the paleofaunal analysis based on the discovery of a tooth from the mouse Micromys cf. bendae. According to the data obtained, the formation of paleosols at the initial stage was rhythmical under dry and moderately warm conditions. The paleosols were formed according to the steppe type of soil formation (Kastanozems in the WRB). Later, the climate changed towards an increase in temperature and humidity, and two red-brown polygenetic paleosols were formed. Their formation was gradual under conditions from arid to hot humid subtropical climate; at the optimal stages of soil evolution, the soils were formed according to the fersiallitic type (Nitisols). At the final stages, paleosols were formed under sharp changes in the regimes of moistening—drying. The studied red paleosols may be presumably assigned to the Sevastopol stratigraphic horizon. The studies performed enable us to characterize the landscape-climatic conditions and to elaborate a concept of the genesis of the soil cover in the Early Pliocene.

Субетто Д.А., Федотов А.П., Разжигаева Н.Г.

Brancaleoni G., Kot M., Shnaider S., Mroczek P., Kurbanov R., Abdykanova A., Alisher kyzy S., Khudjanazarov M., Pavlenok K., Krajcarz M.T.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between coarse and fine material in sediments at four archaeological sites in Central Asia, which share a common characteristic of coarse clasts dispersed within a silty matrix. By using micromorphology and grain size analysis, the study aims to understand the microscale processes that have affected the geogenic material and, by extension, the potential impact on the archaeological assemblages. The four sites studied are Obishir-1, Obishir-5, Katta Sai 1, and Katta Sai 2, which are located at the toe or along a slope in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The study focuses on the micro-features occurring on the surfaces of pebble-sized clasts and identifies four typical features: loamy cappings, loamy coatings, secondary calcium carbonate accumulations, and cracks. The processes related to these features are identified as alteration of the mineral grains, frost action, redeposition, and pedogenetic and anthropogenic processes. The study concludes that the primary contact between the two components has been disrupted in most cases, and suggests that the findings can be used to analyze site formation and post-depositional processes at archaeological sites. Furthermore, analogies with gravel-sized artifacts can be drawn, particularly with regard to secondary calcium carbonate accumulation.

Panin P., Kalinin P., Filippova K., Sychev N., Bukhonov A.

Loess-paleosol sequences (LPSs) are one of the main components of the natural environment, which traces how the climate has changed in the past. The article discusses changes in the landscape and climatic conditions from the Middle Pleistocene to the present, identified by the results of the LPS of the Beglitsa-2017 section study. We obtained new data on soil cover change in the Late and Middle Pleistocene in the North-Eastern Azov region based on multi-proxy analysis with high-resolution sampling along the section. The first data on the polygenetic origin of the Salyn interglacial paleosol (MIS 5e) profile which developed according to the Gypsic Calcic Chernozems type in the interglacial optimum, was obtained. Still, in the last stage of soil formation, its type changed to the more arid Gypsic Chernozems (Arenic). During MIS 5c and MIS 5a, the paleosols developed in a more arid climate; their modern analogues may be Gypsic Kastanozems and Calcic Gypsisols, respectively. The period of MIS 3 in the study area is marked by severe cryo-arid conditions, which influenced the formation of incipient Calcic Gypsisols. The profiles of the Middle Pleistocene paleosols in the lower part of the LPS of the Beglitsa-2017 section were subject to gleying processes, which formed specific Gleysols or Stagnosols paleosols. The preliminary age of these paleosols corresponds to MIS 13/15 and 8/9. The MIS 7 paleosols are structurally similar to modern Calcic Kastanozems, currently distributed in the dry steppe zone. Reconstruction of the formation of the LPS paleosol cover in the Beglitsa-2017 section made it possible to trace the trend of changes in climatic conditions in the past. Climate aridity decreases in the interval between MIS 5e and MIS 1, and the maximum drought peaks were recorded in MIS 3 paleosols. Earlier, climate aridization intensified from MIS 13/15 and continued until MIS 7/6. The results will complement our understanding of the soil cover changing over time and will expand the reconstruction of climate change throughout the East European Plain.

Markova A.K., Sycheva S.A., Gorbacheva T.M.

The history of the early Middle Pleistocene small mammal faunas of Eastern Europe is very complicated. The early Middle Pleistocene which spanned from the Brunhes-Matuyama transition (772.9 ka BP, within MIS 19) till the beginning of the Likhvin Interglacial (424 ka BP, MIS 11) includes a number of interglacials and glaciations. Rodent species of the Tiraspolian faunal assemblage were found in the Chaudian fluvial deposits of the Cape Pekla section (northern coast of the Taman Peninsula). The evolutional level of the Pekla rodents are similar to those from the stratotype section of the Tiraspolian faunal assemblage in the Kolkotova Balka in Moldova (MIS 17) , which includes Eolagurus sp., Mimomys savini, Microtus (Terricola) arvalidens, Microtus (Alexandromys) ex gr. oeconomus and other species. The Pekla fauna also resembles the rodent fauna from famous English West Runton Freshwater Bed locality formed during the Cromerian Interglacial II and some other East and West European faunas. In the current work the entire loess-paleosol sequence of the Pekla section was described with five paleosols from the Middle to the Late Pleistocene. The sequence reflects the complexity of climatic fluctuations from the early Middle Pleistocene to the Holocene.

Yang X., Becker F., Nykamp M., Ludwig B., Doğan M., Doğan T., Knitter D., Schütt B.

Abstract From 300 BC to AD 300, the city of Pergamon underwent a profound transformation that impacted the rural settlement patterns and the concomitant geomorphodynamics. We present a geoarchaeological study in a long-term settled catchment in the Pergamon micro-region to disentangle the Holocene geomorphodynamics and triggering factors, for example, climate change and human activity. The analyses of eight radiocarbon-dated sediment profiles from the Tekkedere alluvial fan and its catchment indicate four principal sedimentation phases. Phase 1 (ca. 6.2 to 5–4 ka) is dominated by the floodplain aggradation of the receiving Bakırçay River, which is followed by the formation of floodplain soils (phase 2). Substantial geomorphodynamic changes occurred around 4 ka (phase 3), when the edge of the floodplain was buried by fan sediments of the tributary Tekkedere creek. This is attributed to supraregional aridization and rapid climate change events, superimposed by the onset of local human activities. Repeated cycles of coarse- and fine-textured fan sediments with age inversions after ca. 3.8 ka and valley infills younger than 1300 yr BP indicate the strong erosion and redeposition of sediments in phase 4. These increased geomorphodynamics may coincide with the changing settlement pattern and thus reflect human–environment interactions.

Houle J., Seitsonen O., Égüez N., Broderick L.G., García-Granero J.J., Bayarsaikhan J.

Currently, the development of mobile pastoralism in Mongolia is known almost exclusively from burial and ritual contexts. Here we present the results of archaeological excavations and geoarchaeological work carried out at a deeply stratified multiperiod habitation site in northwestern Mongolia. Data include an unprecedented number of well-preserved artifacts, faunal and botanical remains, sedimentary information, and chronology that document the development of pastoralism in this region. Our findings index the local durability of pastoralist occupation over 4000 years, as well as the adaptive resilience of the herders here, indeed up to the present day, and this despite major changes in the sociopolitical, socioeconomic, and environmental conditions through time.

Kuzmenkova N., Golosov V., Ivanov M., Alexandrin M., Korneva I., Grabenko E., Rozhkova A., Bykhalova O.

Natural and artificial radioactivity of bottom sediment in the six lakes of the Western and Central Caucasus have been evaluated. It allowed to define the variation of sedimentation rate during the last 100–150 years using technogenic (137Cs) and natural (210Pb, 226Ra) radionuclides as a chronomarkers. The studied lakes are located in the contrasting geographic conditions, different orographic positions, and have different origin. The average annual precipitation in the area of each of the lakes has been detected to stay relatively constant during the 137Cs fallout period, while the air temperature has markedly increased during the last decades. The detected sedimentation rates are the indirect indicator of climate change in the mountains. They are slightly decreasing owing to the increased protection of soil by vegetation cover in the lower altitude zone; in the upper zones, they are growing due to accelerated glacier retreat. The radioecological situation is estimated as normal. High levels of 137Cs (33 kBq m−2) and 241Am (0.1 kBq m−2) in bottom sediments are attributed to the region-specific geographical characteristics.

Niu Y., Fan Y., Qiao Y., Lü T., Li C., Qi L., Wang S., Peng S., Tan Y.

The western area of the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) is close to the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau (NTP) and arid regions of northern China. Loess-paleosol sequence is a good archive for studying the variation of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and the evolutionary history of paleoclimate . However, excessive remagnetization makes it challenging to infer the location of the time-scaled strata , and only a few high-resolution long scale paleomagnetic data are available from the western CLP. To solve this problem, this paper presents a study on establishing a Quaternary chronological framework using the traditional paleomagnetic method and quartz electron spin resonance (ESR) dating. The result is validated by comparing sequences in a variation of magnetic susceptibility and grain-size. Detailed thermal demagnetization records show that declination is reversed, but the inclination reversal is not apparent between S7 and S8. ESR estimated that the three samples collected at a depth of ∼112–145 m were 853.51 ± 133.43 ka, 962.12 ± 144.30 ka, and 1004.27 ± 206.86 ka, respectively. Constrained by these ESR dates, the age of the L9-L15 is defined as ∼0.9–1.2 Ma, which is corroborated the observation in the field stratigraphic survey, the characteristics of magnetic susceptibility and grain-size data. Based on these ages, the Matuyama and Brunhes boundary (MBB, ∼0.78 Ma) is deduced in L8 as inferred from the declination sequence. The bottom age of the loess-paleosol sequence extrapolated from the sedimentation rate is 2.13 Ma. The chronological sequence is therefore established. Several environmental indexes were changed coordinately in broad areas based on the chronological framework, indicating that it is logical and reliable.

Jordanova D., Simon Q., Balescu S., Jordanova N., Ishlyamski D., Georgieva B., Bourlès D.L., Duvivier A., Cornu S.

Magnetic properties are sensitive paleoenvironmental proxies frequently used in studies of loess paleosol profiles. Understanding precisely the magnetic recording of soil responses to environmental and climatic changes needs combining pedologic data and geophysical proxies. Here we present a new high-resolution study of a 450 ka old loess-paleosol profile from low Danube loess area at Kaolinovo (NE Bulgaria). The profile consists of Holocene soil S 0 on top, three paleosol units (S 1 , S 2 , S 3 –S 4 ) and the intercalated loess horizons L 1 to L 4 . Mineral magnetic and rock magnetic data together with pedological parameters (particle size distribution, total, crystalline and amorphous iron, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, carbonate content) show systematic variations in response to environmental changes. Principal component analyses carried out separately on magnetic mineralogy, rock magnetic and pedological variables reveal the complex response of loess – paleosol sediments to changes in source material and climate. The observed sharp shift in coercivity of mineral magnetic carriers at depth of the third loess L 3 marks the change from low-coercivity mineral assemblages in older units to higher coercivity in the last three loess paleosol couplets (L 1 -S 0 , L 2 -S 1 , L 3 – S 2 ). This boundary is related to both dust source change and increased climate aridity. The observed spikes in concentration-dependent magnetic parameters in the lowermost part of the profile and particular magnetic and pedologic signature of the oldest deposits (S 3 –S 4 pedocomplex) suggest that it may result from tephra additions in the studied loess-paleosol sequence, tentatively correlated to cryptotephra layers in other terrestrial archives in the region like Tenaghi Philippon and lake Ohrid sedimentary sequences. This work demonstrated that using PCA tool for studying the significance and objective inter-relationships of multiple mineralogical, mineral magnetic and pedological characteristics along depth of loess – paleosol profiles is an exemplary approach for revealing the underlying sedimentary and environmental processes. • Integrated rock magnetic and pedological study on loess-paleosol profile covering the last 450ky. • Use of Principal Component Analysis revealed driving factors for the observed relationships. • Major change in the source material outlined in younger part starting from third loess.

Jia Y., Zhang Y., Huang C.C., Wang N., Qiu H., Wang H., Xiao Q., Chen D., Lin X., Liu C., Wang C., Nan Q., Zhu Y.

The aeolian loess-paleosol sections on the northeast Tibetan Plateau (NETP) are a valuable source of paleoclimatic information because of their geographical location. In this study, two late Pleistocene–Holocene aeolian loess-paleosol sections were identified based on detailed field investigations in the Maqu reach in the Yellow River source area on the NETP. A robust chronostratigraphic framework for these two sections was established using AMS 14 C dating, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, Bacon age-depth modelling and stratigraphic correlation. Measurements of magnetic susceptibility, hygroscopic water, loss-on-ignition, grain-size, micromorphology, and chemical element analysis suggest that most stratigraphic units in these aeolian loess-paleosol sections are in weak weathering and pedogenesis, whereas the mid-Holocene paleosol approaches to the moderate weathering and pedogenesis, and the sediments are in initial weathering stage of Na + and Ca 2+ leaching is dominated by plagioclase weathering. The main pedogenesis in the mid-Holocene paleosol is calcification process. In terms of intensity of weathering and pedogenesis, the stratigraphic units can be ordered as follows: paleosol > modern soil > transitional loess > aeolian loess. Multi-index comparison shows that the local climatic evolution during the late Pleistocene–Holocene was closely related to the evolution of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and the Westerlies. Overall, the results provide a foundation for further exploration of the pedogenic and paleoclimatic evolution on the NETP. • Chronostratigraphic framework for two aeolian loess-paleosol sections is established. • Sediments are at initial stage of Na + and Ca 2+ leaching. • Pedogenesis in the mid-Holocene paleosol is calcification process. • Pedogenic intensity is paleosol > modern soil > transitional soil > aeolian loess.

Timireva S.N., Kononov Y.M., Sycheva S.A., Taratunina N.A., Kalinin P.I., Filippova K.G., Zakharov A.L., Konstantinov E.A., Murray A.S., Kurbanov R.N.

Loess deposits are widely spread all over Eastern Europe, extending as far south as the Sea of Azov and the northern Black Sea. For many decades these regions have been noted for series of key sections. However, despite prolonged investigations, a lack of absolute dating and detailed lithological data has left many unresolved problems in the correlation of the regional stratigraphic schemes. In this study, integrated studies were undertaken on the loess-paleosol sequence exposed on the northern coast of the Taman Peninsula, separating the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea. The exposure in the coastal scarp near Cape Pekla was sampled in detail for standard lithological and stratigraphic analyses, and for the first time, detailed data on the sediments lithology and petromagnetic properties were obtained, as well as the first optically stimulated luminescence age estimates. The data lead us to conclude that the formation of continental series exposed in the Pekla section started at the beginning of the Middle Pleistocene. There are five well pronounced buried soil complexes (PS 1–5) exposed in the sequence, covering sedimentation from the Middle Pleistocene to the present day. We attribute two lower paleosols (PS 4 and PS 5) to two main warm intervals of the Middle Pleistocene – MIS 9 and MIS 13, and the Kamenka interglacial paleosol, correlated with MIS 7 from other parts of the Azov loess area, is represented in the Pekla section by a sand layer formed at the time of the marine transgression dated to interval 220–280 ka (MIS 7). The upper soil horizons (PS1, PS2 and PS3) developed between 20 and 220 ka. The Pekla section contains a considerable proportion of sand fraction – presumably, due to active eolian processes that developed in immediate vicinities of sources of the material. The paleosol characteristics and the structure of loess horizons in the Pekla subaerial series differ considerably from the well described loess-paleosol series of the Northern Azov Sea coasts. In all probability, this region of the Taman Peninsula belongs to a specific province located south of the North Azov loess-soil province.

Zykina V.S., Zykin V.S., Volvakh A.O., Radaković M.G., Gavrilov M.B., Marković S.B.

Eurasian loess-paleosol sequences provide continuous records of global change in mid-latitude Northern Eurasia. The loess-paleosol sequence of West Siberia located in the central part of the mid-latitude Eurasian loess belt extending from West Europe to Yakutia is an outstanding paleoclimate archive in Northern Asia. The stratigraphy has been best documented on the left bank of the Ob River, in the so-called Ob Loess Plateau. This study focuses on the stratigraphy of the most complete Middle-Late Pleistocene loess-paleosol sequence at the Belovo section. The suggested high-resolution model of the Belovo Late Pleistocene stratigraphy is based on magnetic and sedimentological proxies and is correlated with other Eurasian loess records and with the global marine δ 18 O stratigraphy. The enviromagnetic signal at Belovo Loess-paleosol sequences shows a transitional pattern comparable with both typical Eurasian loess magnetic records. Detailed paleopedological interpretations of the magnetic and sedimentological data from the Belovo section have important implications for appropriate linking different Late Pleistocene climates and environments of other the well-known Eurasian loess provinces.

Chen J., Stevens T., Yang T., Qiang M., Matishov G., Konstantinov E., Kurbanov R., Zeng B., Shi P.

Loess-paleosol sequences are the most intensively studied terrestrial archives used for the reconstruction of Late Pleistocene environmental and climatic changes in the Azov Sea region, southwest Russia. Here we present a refined chronostratigraphy and a multiproxy record of Late Pleistocene environmental dynamics of the most complete and representative loess–paleosol sequences (Beglitsa and Chumbur-Kosa sections) from the Azov Sea region. We propose a new chronostratigraphy following the Chinese and Danubean loess stratigraphic models that refines the subdivision of the Last Interglacial paleosol (S1) complex in two Azov Sea sites, resolve the uncertainty of the stratigraphic position of the weakly developed paleosol (L1SSm) in Beglitsa section, and allow for direct correlation of the Azov Sea sections with those in the Danube Basin and the Chinese Loess Plateau. More importantly, it may serve as a basis for better constraining local and regional chronostratigraphic correlations, and facilitate the interpretation of climatic connections and possible forcing mechanisms responsible for the climatic trends in the region. In addition, a general succession of environmental dynamics is reconstructed from these two vital sections, which is broadly consistent with other loess records in the Dnieper Lowland and Lower Danube Basin, demonstrating similar climatic trends at Glacial–Interglacial time scales. Furthermore, our results have important implications for the chronostratigraphic representativeness of Beglitsa as a key regional loess section and for the reconstruction of the temporal and spatial evolution of Late Pleistocene climate in the Azov Sea region.

Kalinin P.I., Kudrevatykh I.Y., Malyshev V.V., Pilguy L.S., Buhonov A.V., Mitenko G.V., Alekseev A.O.

• The semi-arid soils had a low intensity of chemical weathering in Holocene. • Transformation of salts and clay minerals are basic processes in a semi-arid soils. • In the upper horizons of semi-arid soils occurs recycle of CaO, Na 2 O, MgO, K 2 O. • In saline soils the CIA ration does not reflect weathering of silicate minerals. • The semiarid and arid pedogenesis is a possible analogue of loessification. A 700 km long soil transect in the southern Russian plain was studied. The difference in the average annual precipitation within the transect was 240 mm/year, and the average annual temperature was 3 °C. The objective of this study was to understand the behaviour of chemical elements and features of chemical weathering in semi-arid soils that developed on loesses and loess-like sediments. It was found that the semi-arid soils of the Russian plain are characterized by a low intensity of present chemical weathering. In an alkaline environment with a low amount of precipitation, the rate and direction of silicate weathering are determined not by the climate, but by the geochemical environment of the soil formation, which had already taken shape by the beginning of the Holocene. The alkaline oxidative environment hinders the hydrolysis and prevents the migration of chemical elements in ionic form. As a result, the removal of chemical elements from primary silicate minerals to soil solutions is not a determining process for vertical geochemical migration. The degree of weathering of present soils is mostly inherited from the parent materials of the Quaternary. Conditions for acid hydrolysis occur only in the upper horizons during increased biochemical activity and lower pH values. However, soil processes (carbonatization, salinization, illitization, and loessivage) make the behaviour of alkali (Na 2 O, K 2 O) and alkaline-earth (MgO, CaO, Sr) metals more complex, involving them in recycling in the upper soil horizons, and hinder the quantitative characterization of weathering of silicate minerals. Therefore, the use of CIA geochemical indicator as a quantitative measure of chemical weathering for semiarid soils formed in the Holocene becomes problematic. This study will improve the understanding of the geochemical processes that took place in modern soils in semi-arid regions and clarify the possibility of using geochemical weathering ratios in saline sediments.

Panin P.G., Filippova K.G., Bukhonov A.V., Karpukhina N.V., Kalinin P.I., Ruchkin M.V.

• The Likhvin-2018 section contains paleosols of the Late and Middle Pleistocene. • The Krutitsa interstadial paleosol at Likhvin may not correspond to MIS 5c. • The Bryansk paleosol (MIS 3) is polygenetic. • Interstadial paleosols were periodically exposed to fires. Studies of the loess-paleosol sequence of the center of the East European Plain have a long history. Previously, samples from loess-soil sections were taken for paleoreconstruction of climate and environment with low resolution, usually 1–2 samples per stratigraphic unit. This led to an unclear interpretation of the processes of soil formation and deposition of loess material. Our article discusses the LPS of the Likhvin stratotype section. High-resolution analysis was applied, which will allow us to trace in detail the history of the formation of the paleosol cover from the Middle Pleistocene to the present. A total of 245 bulk samples were taken from sections Likhvin-1/18 and Likhvin-2/18 and analyzed using laboratory analytics (the particle-size distribution, magnetic susceptibility, the loss on ignition values, total organic carbon, pH). Nine samples were taken for OSL dating and two samples for AMS dating to determine the age of the deposits. The micromorphological characteristics were described in detail for paleosols. The Salyn interglacial paleosol (MIS 5e) appeared to be comparable to the modern Retisols in its macro- and micromorphology and physical and chemical characteristics. As to the Krutitsa interstadial paleosol (identified formerly with MIS 5c in the sequence), our results suggest its belonging to MIS 5a. The modern prairie soils – Folic Cambisols – may be considered as its modern analogue. During the MIS 3, the Bryansk paleosol developed. The paleosol is polygenetic; in cooling, its main type (Cambisol) changed to Gleysol and finally became Cryosol. The paleosol described as belonging to MIS 7 displays all the characteristics of the Early Kamenka interglacial paleosol and develops the characteristics of Luvisols (Cutanic) type, its analogues being found in Latvia, Poland, and Hungary. There is a level of soil-formation above the Early Kamenka interglacial paleosol corresponding to the Romny paleosol (MIS 6) in its stratigraphic position. The latter statement is difficult to assert with confidence; it is not improbable that the level presents the Late Kamenka interstadial paleosol, also attributable to MIS 6.

Költringer C., Bradák B., Stevens T., Almqvist B., Banak A., Lindner M., Kurbanov R., Snowball I.

Magnetic fabric (MF) investigations complemented by geochemical and grain surface analyses of the understudied and controversial marine isotope stage (MIS) 5 b, 4 and 3 loess deposits in the Lower Volga region, Russia show that the material has been transported and deposited by wind and to a large extent experienced post-depositional reworking. Grain surface features suggest that the material was glacially ground and fluvially transported prior to final aeolian deposition as loess. Secondary magnetic fabrics in the loess reveal pedogenic and cryogenic processes and a generally cold environment with brief shifts to warmer climate during late MIS 5 and MIS 3. Palaeowind reconstructions derived from preserved primary aeolian MF, indicate locally influenced westerly and north-westerly flow as part of a wider scale westerly wind pattern, similar to modern day winter conditions. We suggest that the climate of the last glacial in the Northern Caspian Lowland was cold and dry, with higher windspeeds and less variability during MIS 4 compared to MIS 3. • Multi-proxy palaeoenvironment and transport pathways reconstruction. • Secondary magnetic fabric in loess is diagnostic for its forming processes. • Lower Volga loess is produced by glacial-grinding and transported by multi-step transport. • W-E and NW-SE winds prevail in the Lower Volga region during the Late Pleistocene. • Marine isotope stage 4 was colder and drier than stage 3 with stronger winds.

Mazneva E., Konstantinov E., Zakharov A., Sychev N., Tkach N., Kurbanov R., Sedaeva K., Murray A.

Due to the high preservation of the loess series and the availability of coastal outcrop sections loess cover of Western Ciscaucasia has ample opportunities for spatial paleogeographical reconstructions for the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Currently, the level of knowledge on the structure and composition of the loess-paleosol sequences of Western Ciscaucasia remains unequal. The Azov coast is studied in more detail in comparison with the inner part of the region. The structure and composition of the loess-paleosol sequences of different parts of Western Ciscaucasia (the Sea of Azov coast and western macroslope of the Stavropol Upland) for the Middle and Late Pleistocene are compared. Comparison of the key sections are based on litho- and pedostratigraphy, magnetic susceptibility, grain size, elemental and mineral composition, and luminescence dating. Recent results of luminescence dating allowed correcting the structure of the Mezin pedocomplex (S1). It was found out that this pedocomplex includes three phases of soil formation (S1SS1, S1SS2, S1SS3), which approximately correspond to the warm stages of marine isotope stage 5 (MIS 5) – 5a, 5c, 5e. In all sections, a clear trend towards an increase in the accumulation rates over the last three climatic macrocycles is observed. The last interglacial-glacial macrocycle (MISs 2–5) is characterized by the most significant increase in average accumulation rates, which were ∼1.8 times higher compared to MISs 6–7 and ∼2.3 times higher than during the MISs 8–9. A likely reason for the regional increase in the average dust accumulation rate was the directional increase in climate aridity. The patterns of the spatial distribution of the loess thickness and material composition indicate that the main source of aeolian dust is situated in the east. We suppose that the main sources of dust are sand masses of the alluvial plains of Lover Volga, Terek, Kuma and Kura rivers in the Caspian lowland. The Lower Don sandy province is reconstructed to be a secondary source. Dust is blown from the sandy terraces of the Don, and in the past - from the Don deltas, during the period when the Sea of Azov dried up.

Adameková K., Lisá L., Neruda P., Petřík J., Doláková N., Novák J., Volánek J.

• A unique complex of MIS 5 palaeosols is revised by taking a multiproxy approach. • Relations of local conditions and climatic trends to soil development are examined. • The pedosedimentary record is correlated with Greenland Stadials/Interstadials. • The palaeoecological record of the Eemian and Early Weischelian is considered. Only a few loess–palaeosol sequences from the last climatic cycle (Eemian-Weichselian) in East-Central Europe have been studied and correlated with up-to-date stratigraphic frameworks such as marine isotope stages (MIS) and Greenland Stadials/Interstadials (GS/GI). This paper examines the relations of local conditions and climatic trends to soil development, and the character of vegetation during MIS 5 period at the Palaeolithic site Moravský Krumlov IV. To revise the chronostratigraphy and interpretation of palaeosols, we applied a multi-proxy approach based on soil micromorphology, physical and geochemical analyses together with palaeobotanical evidence and results of optically stimulated luminescence dating. The part of the loess–palaeosol sequence under study was correlated with the Dolní Věstonice sequence and represents a time span from MIS 5e to MIS 5b. It comprises an Eemian luvisol (MIS 5e, Interglacial), an Early Weichselian chernozem (MIS 5e, GI 25) and a colluvium with a pedogenic imprint (MIS 5d, GI 24), loess (MIS 5d, GS 24), regosol (MIS 5c/5d, GI 23), and loess deposits (MIS 5c, GS 23). Unlike for the Dolní Věstonice, the record of MIS 5a has not been proved and there are no markers dividing individual palaeosols. The intensity of weathering is similar to comparable records from the Czech Republic and is elevated compared to Hungarian loess–palaeosol sequences. Evidence of forest vegetation with both deciduous and coniferous trees (MIS 5e, Interglacial) is followed by that of a steppe environment with a mosaic of trees (MIS 5e, GI 25) and, finally, a tundra or forest-tundra vegetation (MIS 5d, GI 24). Eemian luvisol is rarely preserved but recorded in contemporary sequences from the Czech Republic. The Early Weichselian part is rather similar to the record documented across sites in Lower Austria, in contrast to sites from the Czech Republic, and does not fit into the earlier established system of pedocomplexes.

Liu C., Dupont-Nivet G., Wang W., Deng C.

Magnetic parameters are widely used to indicate paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental conditions in sedimentary records. However, the relations between magnetic parameters and paleoclimate conditions are very different depending on the weathering degree. This study explores various multidisciplinary parameters across an intensely weathered red soil section in the Bose Basin (the Damei sequence with layers of different weathering intensity) of subtropical southern China to understand the magnetic mineral response to pedogenesis in aerobic soils. We find that the only commonly used environmental magnetic parameter that correlates well with geochemical indices of weathering intensity, is the S -ratio (a measure of the relative amounts of high-coercivity remanence to low-coercivity remanence). HIRM (the absolute amount of high-coercivity remanence) and -IRM -0.3T (the absolute amount of low-coercivity remanence) are the main variable in S -ratio. Mineral magnetic analyses indicate that the main carriers of HIRM and -IRM -0.3T in the Damei red soils are respectively hematite and maghemite. Negative correlations between the S -ratio, the IRM -0.3T and the weathering intensity, and a positive correlation between the HIRM and the weathering intensity relates to the transformation of pedogenic maghemite into hematite which is favored in such a case of intense weathering. It seems that environmental interpretations from magnetic parameters are better constrained if the weathering stage can be first determined using the relation between concentration of hematite and ferrimagnetic minerals. A new magnetic weathering index is proposed for intensely weathered red soils based on the slope of the linear correlation between HIRM and -IRM -0.3T . These results open applications for assessing weathering and pedoclimate proxies using environmental magnetism. • Magnetic responses to pedogenesis of aerobic soils depend on weathering intensity. • S -ratio is a good indicator of weathering intensity for strongly weathered red soils. • The correlation between maghemite and hematite can be used to assess the weathering stage.

Antoine P., Coutard S., Bahain J., Locht J., Hérisson D., Goval E.

This study presents an overview of Middle Pleistocene loess–palaeosol sequences (LPS) in northern France and discusses the palaeoclimatic significance of the pedosedimentary record in the context of western European LPS and of global climatic cycles for the last 750 ka. In this area, the oldest loess deposits (early Middle Pleistocene) are preserved in sedimentary traps (leeward scarps of fluvial terraces and dissolution sinkholes). They result from local deflation processes reworking Pleistocene sandy fluvial deposits or relicts of Tertiary sands. A large extension of typical calcareous loess over the landscape, the Loess Revolution, is then observed during MIS 6, with heavy mineral assemblages testifying to long‐distance transport from the polar desert area of the dried eastern Channel. A correlation scheme is proposed between the global records of northern France in continental environments and both global palaeoclimatic records and other main western European LPS. After 30 years of research, northern France LPS stand as a fundamental archive of the impact of interglacial–glacial climatic cycles as well as millennial events. Finally, these works provide a robust chronoclimatic framework for the study of the western European Late Acheulean and Middle Palaeolithic and for the relative dating of the various fluvial terraces that they fossilise.

Karpukhina N.V., Bricheva S.S., Konstantinov E.A., Tatarnikov O.M., Makkaveev A.N., Zakharov A.L.

Abstract —The paper considers the origin of terraces that often complicate the slopes of abnormally deep buried valleys in the northwest of the East European Plain. The Izborsk–Maly valley (Pskov Region, Russia), which is half filled with Quaternary sediments, was chosen as the object of study. Since the upper part of the valley remains unfilled, it is possible to study in detail both geologic and geomorphologic structures of its terraced slopes being of particular interest in the context of the origin of buried valleys and the role of substrate in it. The four denudation-terrace levels that have been identified on the slopes of the Izborsk–Maly valley at absolute elevations of 53, 56–58, 70–72, and 75–77 m formed during the destruction of the preglacial karst landscape under the influence of Pleistocene glaciations. The formation of the terraces was probably linked with several stages of overdeepening of the valley and its expansion by the glacial erosion processes, which corresponded to at least two stages of the ice sheet advance in this area. The last stage may have been the beginning of the Late Valdai (Weichselian) glaciation or the activation of the edge of an ice sheet during its Luga phase (~15.7 cal kyr BP). Results of the study suggest that the Izborsk–Maly valley formed in subglacial conditions. The degree of glacial erosion was determined primarily by the coherence of Devonian carbonate-terrigenous rocks hosting the valley and the degree of the area transformation by karst processes. The cirque shape of slopes is the evidence of karst processes expression in pre-glacial time. Analysis of literature data shows that the origin of denudation terraces in the buried valleys in the northwest of the East European Plain has been paid little attention. The obtained data contribute to the study of this problem and provide insights into the origin of buried valleys.